England move towards new manager

Rob Andrew, the Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director, has confirmed he is on course to make a recommendation to the Twickenham management board next Wednesday.

Several names have been touted as potential replacements, including former England number eight Dean Richards and overseas coaches such as Warren Gatland and Nick Mallett. But there is also a school of thought that current England attack coach Brian Ashton could take charge for the Six Nations games.

Andrew said: "My thinking is pretty clear, and I am expecting to be able to make a recommendation to the management board next Wednesday.

"We are working on a solution which will hopefully be seen as a full-time solution."

But when Andrew was pressed to reveal a name, he added: "We have had conversations with people. I am not ruling anyone in or anyone out."